The Sporting CP coach looks at the win over CD Nacional

After the final whistle in the 2-0 win against CD Nacional, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to analyse the game.

“Above all, it was a very competent showing on our part. The opposition played with a low block, with one line of 5 and another of 4 that are difficult to penetrate. It was a difficult first half in terms of creating chances, but otherwise we controlled it. I knew that the game could be decided by a moment of inspiration, and so it was,” he began saying before praising scorer Francisco Trincão.

“I’m very happy with what he did, and for this moment of inspiration. The game was unlocked by that.”

“The second half was kind of more of the same, but with more chances to score again. We controlled things, but at 1-0 it is always dangerous. The team were serious, rigorous and happy to make it 2-0, and I’m happy for João Simões, because he’s a kid who deserves a lot.”

With this triumph, Sporting CP increased their advantage over SL Benfica in the standings to six points. Despite this, Rui Borges reaffirmed that the focus is exclusively on the games that his team have ahead -and not on their rivals.

“We were going to be top, regardless of SL Benfica's result. All we have to do is think about ourselves, and that's what we did. We are more concerned about being competent in our game. There’s no point looking at other matches. The team want to be champions and today they proved that.”

“Of course, the more points we have, the better, but I know there will be difficult games ahead. If we are competent, we will be champions.”

Borges also made no secret of the fact that the team still have a lot of room for improvement.

“Clearly I want to see many aspects improved, but we haven’t had much time. I’m lucky to have very intelligent and switched-on players. I'm very happy with the team. In terms of our speed moving the ball around: More than tiredness, it’s a question of habits rather than the way of playing with three defenders. I don’t want to take that away, but against a team with a very low block, like today, if we don’t force them to move and wear them out, they will always be comfortable,” he considered

Finally, asked about Viktor Gyökeres' return to the starting lineup, the coach highlighted that the Swede was “taken care of in previous games” to achieve this.

“We know what we can do and the risks we can take. Gyökeres will be available again on Wednesday if nothing happens.”